India condemns Israeli raid on Gaza aid flotilla

Mai Harinder Kaur · #1 (**permalink**) 02-Jun-2010, 07:33 AM

Wednesday 02 June, 2010

India condemns Israeli raid on Gaza aid flotilla

India and world community strongly condemn the Israeli attack on Turkish Ship Mavi Marmara that killed ten people while the United Nation Security Council convenes an emergency session to discuss the issue.

“India deplores the tragic loss of life and the reports of killings and injuries to the people on the boats carrying supplies for Gaza. There can be no justification for such indiscriminate use of force, which we condemn. We extend our sympathies to the families of the dead and wounded. It is our firm conviction that lasting peace and security in the region can be achieved only through peaceful dialogue and not through use of force,” said a Ministry of External Affairs statement.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/politics/30769-india-condemns-israeli-raid-gaza-aid.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30769

The Pre-dawn attack on the Turkish ship ‘Mavi Marmara’ leading the convoy called ‘Gaza Freedom flotilla” carrying humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza who are facing economic blockade.

UN Security Council convenes for emergency session

UN members and officials came out in strong condemnation of Israel's attack on a humanitarian flotilla headed to the Gaza strip, with its chief Ban-Ki-moon seeking a "full explanation" from the country.

"I condemn this violence," said Secretary-General Ban. "It is vital that there is a full investigation to determine exactly how this bloodshed took place. I believe Israel must urgently provide a full explanation," he said.

The operations by Israeli naval commandos killed 10 activists and injured dozens others, sparking a global outrage on Monday.

Israel in turn, accused the people on board the ship of having turned on its soldiers with knives and metal rods and said the defence personnel had acted in self defence.

In individual statements, the 15 UNSC members issued remarks, almost all condemning the assault. Veto-wielding permanent members France, Russia and China called for the blockade of Gaza to be lifted and sought an independent inquiry into the bloody episode.

"It is clearer than ever that Israel's restrictions on access to Gaza must be lifted in line with Security Council Resolution 1860.

The current closure is unacceptable and counterproductive," British Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant said ahead of the emergency session called after the deadly attack.

The United States, which is Israel's main ally, regretted the loss of life but did not condemn the attacks like most of the Muslim countries and European nations. It urged Israel to undertake a domestic inquiry.

"The United States is deeply disturbed by the recent violence and regrets the tragic loss of life and injuries suffered among those involved in the incident last night aboard the Gaza-bound ships," said Alejandro Wolff, Deputy Permanent US Representative to the United Nations.

While the Security Council discussed a draft statement to condemn the attack, top UN officials came out strongly against the incident.

"I unequivocally condemn what appears to be disproportionate use of force, resulting in the killing and wounding of so many people attempting to bring much-needed aid to the people of Gaza, who have now been enduring a blockade for more than three years," said Navi Pillay, the UN human rights chief.

Turkey, which introduced the statement in the Council, demanded that Israel apologise for the act. "This is a black day for humanity," said Ahmet Davutoglu, the Turkish foreign minister.

Mai Harinder Kaur · #2 (**permalink**) 09-Jun-2010, 11:07 AM

Now, wouldn't it be nice if India would condemn the mass murder of its own people by its own government, starting with Amritsar, Delhi and Gurjarat and continuing even as I type, especially (now) among the Tribals and the Dalits.